JP7591741B2 - washing machine - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a washing machine.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid dispenser.

The washing machine described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with an automatic dispenser including a tank case in which two tanks, namely a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank, are mounted. The automatic dispenser automatically supplies the required amount of detergent and fabric softener from the tank to a discharge section and dispenses them into the outer tub.

JP 2021-007638 A

However, the washing machine described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of preventing clogging of the liquid between the tank that stores the liquid and the outer tub.

Therefore, the objective of the present disclosure is to solve the above problem and to provide a washing machine that can prevent clogging of the liquid between the tank that stores the liquid and the outer tub.

A washing machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an outer tub elastically supported within a housing, a water supply valve for supplying water to the outer tub, a first tank for storing a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub, a case for housing the first tank, a first automatic liquid agent dispenser connected to the first tank and discharging the liquid agent from a first outlet, and a liquid agent discharge flow path connected to the first outlet and supplying the liquid agent to the outer tub via the case, wherein at least a portion of the liquid agent discharge flow path extends from upstream to downstream at an incline with respect to a horizontal plane, and the liquid agent discharge flow path is provided with a main flow path through which water and the liquid agent flow, an inlet formed upstream of the main flow path for allowing water to flow into the main flow path, and an outlet formed downstream of the main flow path for discharging the water and the liquid agent from the main flow path, and the inlet and outlet of the liquid agent discharge flow path are directly connected to the rear surface of the case.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a washing machine that can prevent clogging of the liquid between the tank that stores the liquid and the outer tub.

Schematic cross-sectional view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Schematic front view of a washing machine Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit Perspective view of the automatic insertion unit Top view of the automatic feeding unit FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an automatic insertion unit; Case perspective view Exploded view of the fluid discharge path Perspective view of the lid A perspective view of a liquid ejection flow path Cross-sectional view of the liquid discharge flow path Perspective cross-sectional view of the automatic insertion unit FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tank, a liquid supply device, and a liquid discharge flow path; Schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid injection device Enlarged view of the liquid supply device and liquid discharge flow path Perspective view of the support part An enlarged view of the discharge port when the liquid supply device is inserted into the liquid discharge flow path. Case diagram showing the flow of water and liquids

(Embodiment)
A washing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[Overall configuration]
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a washing machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the washing machine 1. The washing machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a washing and drying machine having an automatic liquid dispenser function. In this specification, the liquid is a liquid used for washing laundry 15 such as clothes, and includes detergent, fabric softener, neutral detergent, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the washing machine 1 includes a housing 2, an outer tub 3, an inner tub 4, a drive unit 5, an automatic dosing unit 6, a connection flow path 8, a water supply valve 10, a drain valve 11, and a control unit (not shown).

<Case>
The housing 2 is a member that forms the external appearance of the washing machine 1. An opening 20 and a door 21 that covers the opening 20 and can be opened and closed are provided on the front surface of the housing 2.

<Outer tank>
The outer tub 3 is provided inside the housing 2 and is a roughly cylindrical member having the function of storing wash water. The outer tub 3 may be called a water tub. The outer tub 3 has a tubular portion 34 and a bottom portion 36 that closes one end of the tubular portion 34. The central axis V0 of the outer tub 3 passes through the center of the bottom portion 36. The central axis V0 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The outer tub 3 has an opening 31 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2, and is connected to the opening 20 of the housing 2 in a sealed manner by a bellows 32. The outer tub 3 is further provided with openings 33 and 35 for passing water. The opening 33 is an opening connected to the connection flow path 8, and the opening 35 is a drain port for draining the water in the outer tub 3 to the outside.

In the following description, the horizontal direction along the central axis V0 is referred to as the front-rear direction M (Fig. 1), and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the plane including the central axis V0 is referred to as the width direction K (Fig. 2). The front-rear direction M has a front side M1 toward the opening 31 and a rear side M2 toward the bottom 36, and the width direction K has an outer side K1 away from the central axis V0 and a center side K2 toward the central axis V0.

<Inner tank>
The inner tub 4 is a generally cylindrical member that is rotatable around a central axis V0 inside the outer tub 3 and that contains laundry 15, such as clothes. The inner tub 4 may also be referred to as a drum. The inner tub 4 is formed with a large number of through holes 40. The through holes 40 communicate the inner tub 4 with the outer tub 3, allowing the wash water to move from the inner tub 4 to the outer tub 3. The inner tub 4 further has an opening 41 at a position facing the opening 20 of the housing 2 and the opening 31 of the outer tub 3.

<Drive unit>
The drive unit 5 is a member that drives the inner tub 4 to rotate around the central axis V0. The drive unit 5 has, for example, a motor that rotates the inner tub 4.

<Automatic insertion unit>
The automatic dosing unit 6 is a unit that automatically dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid agent determined by the control unit from a tank that stores the liquid agent into the outer tub 3. When the liquid agent is not manually dispensed, the automatic dosing unit 6 dispenses an appropriate amount of an appropriate type of liquid agent into the outer tub 3 depending on, for example, the amount and type of laundry 15 during a washing process, a rinsing process, etc. The automatic dosing unit 6 is connected to the outer tub 3 via a connecting flow path 8 in order to supply the liquid agent to the outer tub 3.

The automatic dispensing unit 6 includes a case 61, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C (tanks 62B and 62C not shown), liquid agent dispensers 63A, 63B, and 63C (liquid agent dispensers 63B and 63C not shown), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a manual dispenser 65, and a water supply solenoid valve 66.

As shown in FIG. 2, the automatic insertion unit 6 is disposed inside the housing 2, diagonally above the outer tub 3. The automatic insertion unit 6 faces an openable and closable cover 60 disposed on the top surface of the housing 2. The automatic insertion unit 6 has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 34 of the outer tub 3.

<Connection flow path>
The connection flow path 8 is a flow path for supplying the liquid agent from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the outer bath 3. The connection flow path 8 extends downward from the automatic dispensing unit 6 to the opening 33 of the outer bath 3.

<Water supply valve>
The water supply valve 10 is a valve for supplying water to the outer tub 3 via the automatic dosing unit 6. The water supply valve 10 is provided on the upper part of the housing 2.

<Drain valve>
The drain valve 11 is configured to be openable and closable, and when opened, drains water stored in the outer tub 3 through an opening 35 of the outer tub 3. The drain valve 11 is provided in the lower part of the housing 2.

<Control Unit>
The control unit is a member that controls the operation of the washing machine 1. The control unit controls components of the washing machine 1, such as the drive unit 5, the liquid agent dosing devices 63A, 63B, and 63C of the automatic dosing unit 6, the water supply valve 10, and the drain valve 11. The control unit may include, for example, a memory (not shown) that stores a program, and a processing circuit (not shown) corresponding to a processor such as a CPU, and function as these elements by the processor executing the program.

Next, the components of the automatic insertion unit 6 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the automatic insertion unit 6. Fig. 5 is a top view of the automatic insertion unit 6. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the automatic insertion unit 6.

<Case>
3, the case 61 is a member that houses the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C that constitute the automatic feeding unit 6, and the manual feeding part 65. The bottom surface 55 of the case 61 has an inclined shape along the outer periphery of the tube part 34 that is diagrammatically shown by a dotted line.

Here, the surface of the front side M1 of the case 61 is the front surface 56 (Fig. 3), and the surface of the rear side M2 of the case 61 is the rear surface 57 (Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 4, the rear surface 57 of the case 61 is connected to liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B (Fig. 6), and 63C (Fig. 6), a liquid agent discharge flow path 64, a water supply solenoid valve 66, and a connection flow path 8.

As shown in FIG. 5, a supply flow passage 67 is formed in the upper part of the case 61. The supply flow passage 67 forms a plurality of independent paths along the outer periphery of the case 61. Each path supplies water from the water supply solenoid valve 66 to the inside of the case 61.

<Water supply solenoid valve>
As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the device is made up of three solenoid valves, and the path of a supply flow passage 67 (Fig. 5) to which water is supplied is changed by opening and closing each valve.

<Tank>
As shown in FIG. 5, the case 61 accommodates three tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C arranged in the width direction K. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are containers for storing liquid agents used in the washing process and the rinsing process. For example, the tank 62A stores a neutral detergent, the tank 62B stores a fabric softener, and the tank 62C stores a detergent. The tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are removable from the case 61. When the manual input unit 65 is removed from the case 61, an empty space is formed on the front side M1 of the tank 62. In this state, the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C can be pulled to the front side M1 to be removed from the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (FIG. 6) and taken out upward.

<Manual input section>
The manual input unit 65 is a mechanism for a user to manually input a single dose of laundry treatment liquid. The manually input liquid flows from the case 61 through the connecting flow path 8 (FIG. 1) into the outer tub 3 (FIG. 1) in the input amount. The manually input liquid may be in liquid or powder form. The manual input unit 65 is removably housed in the case 61.

<Liquid injection device>
6, the liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are devices that suck up a predetermined amount of liquid agent from the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C and discharge the liquid agent into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in the front-rear direction M via the rear surface 57 of the case 61. The liquid agent supplying device 63A is connected to the tank 62A, the liquid agent supplying device 63B is connected to the tank 62B, and the liquid agent supplying device 63C is connected to the tank 62C. The liquid agent supplying devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged side by side in the width direction K.

<Liquid material discharge flow path>
As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is a flow path member that supplies the liquid agent and water to the outer tank 3 (Fig. 1) via the case 61. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is provided on the back surface 57 of the case 61, and is connected to three liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, 63C. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends along the outer periphery of the outer tank 3, inclining downward toward the outside K1. In other words, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends from upstream to downstream, inclining downward with respect to the horizontal plane. The fluid (e.g., water W0) flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 flows in one direction according to the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

Next, the structure of the case 61 and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 of the automatic dispensing unit 6 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 7 and 8A to 8D. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the case 61. Figure 8A is an exploded view of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the lid 93. Figure 8C is a perspective view of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. Figure 8D is a cross-sectional view of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

As shown in FIG. 7, the case 61 has inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3. The inner bottom surfaces B1, B2, and B3 are arranged in order along the outer side K1. The inner bottom surface B1 is a surface located directly below the tank 62A (FIG. 6), the inner bottom surface B2 is a surface located directly below the tank 62B (FIG. 6), and the inner bottom surface B3 is a surface located directly below the tank 62C (FIG. 6).

The rear surface 57 of the case 61 is formed with tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C, a first case connection port 78, a second case connection port 79, and a liquid agent outlet 81.

Tank connection ports 77A, 77B, and 77C are openings provided for connecting tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C housed in case 61 to liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C arranged outside case 61.

The first case connection port 78 is an opening that allows water flowing from the supply flow path 67 to flow into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The second case connection port 79 is an opening that allows water from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and the automatically added liquid agent to flow into the case 61. The liquid agent outlet 81 is an opening that discharges the fluid that has flowed into the case 61 from the second case connection port 79 and the fluid flowing from the manual input unit 65 toward the outer tank 3 through the connection flow path 8.

The first case connection port 78 is provided at a higher position than the second case connection port 79, which is provided at a higher position than the liquid agent outlet 81.

8A, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is formed by a main body 92 and a lid 93. The main body 92 forms a space through which the automatically-added liquid agent and water flow, and has an opening 100 on the side. The lid 93 covers the opening 100 to seal the main body 92. In other words, the main body 92 constitutes the inner bottom surface of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and the lid 93 constitutes one side surface of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The main body 92 forms a main flow path 95 extending laterally, and branch flow paths 96A, 96B, and 96C branching upward from the main flow path 95. The lower parts of the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C (liquid agent injection devices 63B and 63C not shown) are inserted into the branch flow paths 96A, 96B, and 96C, respectively. The lower parts of the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are formed with an outlet 70 for discharging a predetermined amount of liquid agent at the bottom. The liquid discharged from the discharge port 70 flows into the main flow path 95 through the branch flow paths 96A, 96B, and 96C.

The bottom of the lid 93 is formed with multiple lead wire hooks 97. The lead wire hooks 97 are structured to hold lead wires 97A extending from the electronic components of the automatic dispensing unit 6. The lead wires 97A are members that connect, for example, the power unit 71 (described below) of the liquid agent dispensing device 63 to an external power source.

As shown in FIG. 8B, surface P1 of the lid 93 facing the main flow path 95 is smooth.

As shown in FIG. 8C, an inlet 98 is formed upstream of the main flow path 95, and an outlet 99 is formed downstream of the main flow path 95. The liquid agent discharged by the liquid agent injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C flows along the main flow path 95 toward the outlet 99. In addition, water flowing from the inlet 98 is introduced into the main flow path 95 and discharged from the outlet 99.

The outlet 99 is inclined downwards, which helps prevent liquid from remaining near the outlet 99.

As shown in FIG. 8D, connection ports 69A, 69B, and 69C are formed at the branching points of main flow path 95. Connection ports 69A, 69B, and 69C are openings on one end side of branch flow paths 96A, 96B, and 96C, and face discharge ports 70 of liquid drug injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, respectively.

When the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is connected to the case 61 (Figure 7), the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is tilted downward. Due to the tilt of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the water and liquid agent flowing through the main flow path 95 flow according to gravity. Also, due to the tilt of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, the connection ports 69A, 69B, 69C are lowered toward the outside K1 and arranged in a stepped pattern. The inlet 98 is connected to the water supply valve 10 via the case 61, and the outlet 99 is connected to the outer tank 3 via the case 61 and the connection flow path 8.

As explained above, the structure for attaching the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to the liquid agent input devices 63A, 63B, and 63C and the case 61 is formed in the main body 92. Therefore, even if misalignment occurs during welding of the main body 92 and the lid 93 described below, it is possible to prevent the position of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from shifting relative to other parts.

The main flow path 95 is inclined linearly downward. When the main flow path 95 is inclined linearly, the fluid flows more easily and fluid stagnation can be prevented. On the other hand, the inclination angle of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 may change midway through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. A flow path portion having a horizontal component (width direction K) may be provided midway through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

Returning to FIG. 8A, the dimension D1 of the main flow path 95 in the front-to-rear direction M is greater than the dimension D2 of the main flow path 95 in the up-down direction Z downstream of the connection port 69A (FIG. 8D). Furthermore, the main flow path 95 has an enlarged diameter portion 95A upstream of the outlet 99. The cross-sectional area of the enlarged diameter portion 95A increases downstream. In this embodiment, the enlarged diameter portion 95A is realized by increasing the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the main flow path 95. The enlarged diameter portion 95A may also be realized by increasing the distance between the front and back surfaces of the main flow path 95.

The main body 92 and the lid 93 are glued in the front-to-rear direction M.

In this embodiment, the main body 92 and the lid 93 are bonded by vibration welding. Therefore, the main body 92 has multiple ribs 92A, 92B. The rib 92A is a plate-shaped member that rises from the upper surface of the main body 92 and extends in the front-rear direction M. Similarly, the rib 92B is a plate-shaped member that rises from the lower surface of the main body 92 and extends in the front-rear direction M. By providing the ribs 92A, 92B, it is possible to suppress bending and deformation of the main body 92 along the connection direction during vibration welding, and improve the strength of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

The state in which tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are attached to case 61 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of automatic dosing unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 9, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have depths L1, L2, and L3, respectively. Depths L1, L2, and L3 are the distances from the top surface to the deepest part of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, respectively. Depths L1, L2, and L3 of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order. Depth L2 of tank 62B is deeper than depth L1 of tank 62A, and depth L3 of tank 62C is deeper than depth L2 of tank 62B. In addition, because the top surfaces of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C have a common shape, the volumes of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C increase in order according to depths L1, L2, and L3.

As described above, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C store a neutral detergent, fabric softener, and detergent, respectively. Taking into consideration the type of liquid and the volume of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, the liquids may be stored in tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C in order of least frequently used liquid. Also, tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C may store the same liquid.

As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom surfaces of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C, including their deepest parts, extend in the width direction K and get lower in that order. Therefore, the bottom surfaces of tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C are arranged in a stepped manner.

The area directly below tank 62C is close to the outside of housing 2, and compared to tanks 62A and 62B, it is easier to secure space in the vertical direction, so a large gap can be formed. Therefore, it is easy to form an input flow path 82 that flows liquid and water into outer tank 3 along inner bottom surface B3. This configuration makes it possible to effectively utilize the space above outer tank 3. Liquid that is manually input flows directly into input flow path 82 from manual input section 65, and liquid that is automatically input flows into input flow path 82 via liquid discharge flow path 64. Input flow path 82 flows water and liquid along inner bottom surface B3 toward liquid outlet 81 (Figure 7).

Tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C form connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C at their deepest parts. Connection parts 76A, 76B, and 76C are structures that include openings through which the liquid is sucked out by liquid injection devices 63A, 63B, and 63C shown in FIG. 6.

Next, the liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C connected to the tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10.

Here, tank 62 is a general term for tanks 62A, 62B, and 62C. Similarly, liquid agent supply device 63 is a general term for liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C, connection port 69 is a general term for connection ports 69A, 69B, and 69C, branch flow path 96 is a general term for branch flow paths 96A, 96B, and 96C, and connection portion 76 is a general term for connection portions 76A, 76B, and 76C. Figure 10 is a perspective view of tank 62, liquid agent supply device 63, and liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid agent supply device 63 is connected to the tank 62 and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The liquid agent supply devices 63A, 63B, and 63C are arranged in a stepped manner so that they become lower in sequence in accordance with the change in the depth of the connection portion 76 of the tank 62. Furthermore, the stepped arrangement of the liquid agent supply devices 63 corresponds to the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

The structure of one liquid agent dosing device 63 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid agent dosing device 63 as viewed from the side. Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower end of the liquid agent dosing device 63. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the support portion 87.

As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid injection device 63 includes a power unit 71, a reduction mechanism 72, and a pump mechanism 73.

The power unit 71 transmits rotational motion to the reduction mechanism 72. The reduction mechanism 72 reduces the speed of the rotational motion of the power unit 71 using multiple gears (not shown) and has a reduced-speed output shaft V2. The pump mechanism 73 is a positive displacement pump driven by the output shaft V2 of the reduction mechanism 72.

The pump mechanism 73 has a piston 83, a cylinder 84, and an outlet flow path 86. The piston 83 is a member that is connected to the output shaft V2 of the reduction mechanism 72 and reciprocates in the vertical direction Z as the output shaft V2 rotates. The cylinder 84 is a member that houses the piston 83 and forms a space into which the liquid agent is sucked up. The outlet flow path 86 is a flow path that connects the lower end of the cylinder 84 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and extends in the vertical direction Z in order to discharge the liquid agent in the cylinder 84 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 (Figure 10).

As shown in FIG. 12, the outlet flow path 86 is provided with a support 87, a seal 89, and a valve 91. The support 87 is a member that supports the valve 91, and forms the discharge port 70 of the liquid agent injection device 63. The support 87 protrudes downward Z1 from the lower end of the outlet flow path 86. The seal 89 is a member that is provided on the valve 91 and prevents backflow of water into the cylinder 84 when the valve 91 is closed. The seal 89 may be an O-ring. The valve 91 is a check valve that controls the flow of the liquid agent in the outlet flow path 86. When the valve 91 moves downward and opens, the liquid agent is discharged from the discharge port 70.

As shown in FIG. 13, the support portion 87 has an outer cylindrical portion 87A, a central cylindrical portion 87B, and a rib 87C. The discharge port 70 is formed between the outer cylindrical portion 87A and the central cylindrical portion 87B. The rib 87C extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the central cylindrical portion 87B toward the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 87A. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the discharge port 70 is defined by the rib 87C into three sector shapes.

The central tube portion 87B forms a passage 94 that accommodates the valve 91 (Figure 12) and protrudes downward Z1 relative to the outer peripheral tube portion 87A. In the manufacture of the support portion 87, burrs may occur at the tip of the central tube portion 87B. If burrs occur at the tip of the central tube portion 87B, the burrs may impede the movement of the valve 91 and impede the ejection of the liquid agent. However, by allowing the central tube portion 87B to protrude, excessive impediment to the movement of the valve 91 can be prevented even if burrs occur at the tip of the central tube portion 87B.

14 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the discharge port 70 when the liquid agent injection device 63 is inserted into the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. In FIG. 14, the opening of the connection port 69 is indicated by the line B-B. As shown in FIG. 14, the support part 87 is inserted into the branch flow path 96, and the discharge port 70 faces the connection port 69. In this state, when viewed from the vertical direction Z, the entire discharge port 70 is formed inside the connection port 69 (FIG. 13). The entire discharge port 70 is exposed to the water W0 flowing through the main flow path 95. Therefore, when the amount of water W0 flowing through the main flow path 95 is large and the water W0 flows near the upper surface of the main flow path 95, some of the water W1 flows into the branch flow path 96 and hits the discharge port 70 and the central tube part 87B. The water W1 that hits falls together with the liquid agent attached to the discharge port 70 and the valve 91, and merges with the main flow path 95.

Furthermore, when considering the vertical positional relationship, the outer circumferential tube portion 87A is located above the connection port 69, and the central tube portion 87B is located below the connection port 69. When viewed from the side, the discharge port 70 is formed above the line B-B. Meanwhile, the lower end of the central tube portion 87B overlaps with the line B-B and protrudes into the main flow path 95. This arrangement makes it possible to apply water W1 to the central tube portion 87B while preventing the outer circumferential tube portion 87A from impeding the flow of water W0.

[Action]
Next, an example of the operation of the automatic dispensing unit 6 in the above configuration will be described with reference to Figures 11, 14 and 15. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the case 61 showing the flows of the water W0 and the liquid agents S1 and S2.

The automatic dosing unit 6 operates during the washing and rinsing cycles of the washing machine 1. The operation of the automatic dosing unit 6 is controlled by the control unit. The control unit controls, for example, the opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 66, the type of liquid agent to be dispensed, the amount to be dispensed, the timing of dispense, etc.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the washing and rinsing processes, water W0 is supplied to the automatic dispenser unit 6 from the water supply valve 10. The water W0 flows into the case 61 from the opening 68 formed on the center side K2 through the water supply solenoid valve 66 and the supply flow path 67. The water W0 that flows into the case 61 flows along the force of gravity from the first case connection port 78 through the inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64 (not shown) and flows into the input flow path 82 of the case 61 from the second case connection port 79. The water W0 that flows into the case 61 is guided by the input flow path 82 to the liquid agent outlet 81 and flows into the outer tub 3 (not shown) via the connection flow path 8 (not shown).

The operation of the control unit during the washing process drives a liquid agent supplying device 63C (FIG. 10) connected to a tank 62C (FIG. 10) that contains detergent. The detergent S1 in the tank 62C is discharged from the discharge port 70 to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 by the liquid agent supplying device 63C.

As shown in FIG. 15, detergent S1 flows along the inclined liquid agent discharge flow path 64 according to gravity, and enters the input flow path 82 of the case 61 from the second case connection port 79. Detergent S1 that has flowed into the case 61 is guided to the liquid agent outlet 81 by the inclination of the input flow path 82, and flows into the outer tub 3 via the connection flow path 8. Detergent S1 may merge with water W0 in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

On the other hand, if the laundry 15 stored in the outer tub 3 is intended for delicate washing, the liquid dispenser 63A in the tank 62A containing the neutral detergent is driven instead of the liquid dispenser 63C in the tank 62C containing the detergent S1.

The operation of the control unit during the rinsing process drives the liquid agent dosing device 63B of the tank 62B that contains the fabric softener S2.

Returning to FIG. 14, when the liquid agent is discharged from the discharge port 70 during the washing process and the rinsing process, the liquid agent flows downstream along the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 together with the water W0. Because the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is inclined, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from accumulating and adhering in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 and blocking the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

In addition, some of the liquid does not fall into the liquid discharge flow path 64, but remains attached around the discharge port 70. Therefore, when a large amount of water W0 flows into the liquid discharge flow path 64, some of the water W1 comes into contact with the discharge port 70 and the periphery of the central tube portion 87B through the connection port 69. This prevents the liquid from remaining there for a long time, solidifying and accumulating, and blocking the discharge port 70. It also prevents the liquid from solidifying around the central tube portion 87B and impeding the movement of the valve 91 housed in the passage 94.

The above explanations are summarized below to describe the features of this disclosure.

In the washing machine 1 according to this embodiment, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is inclined downward from upstream to downstream. The inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 promotes the flow of the liquid agent that is automatically dispensed, and prevents the liquid agent from staying in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 for a long period of time and solidifying. This makes it possible to maintain the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 in a connected state. Furthermore, the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 also promotes the flow of water. The water flow can carry high-viscosity liquid agent downstream, further promoting the flow of the liquid agent.

In addition, in the conventional configuration, the gap between the inner bottom surface of the liquid agent discharge flow path and the discharge port of the liquid agent dosing device suppresses exposure of the discharge port to the flow of water in the liquid agent discharge flow path. In contrast to this structure, in the configuration of the washing machine 1, the discharge port 70 is formed inside the connection port 69, and the entire discharge port 70 is exposed to the water flowing in the main flow path 95. Therefore, if the flow rate of the water W0 flowing in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is high, it is easy to spray water on the discharge port 70 and its surroundings. Spraying water washes off the liquid agent attached to the discharge port 70 and its surroundings, preventing the liquid agent from solidifying.

As described above, it is possible to provide a washing machine 1 that can prevent clogging of the liquid between the tank 62 that stores the liquid and the outer tub 3.

[Effect 1]
The washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

As described above, the washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes the outer tub 3, the tank 62A (first tank), the tank 62B (second tank), the liquid agent dosing device 63A (first automatic liquid agent dosing device), the liquid agent dosing device 63B (second automatic liquid agent dosing device), and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported within the housing 2. The tank 62A contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3. The tank 62B contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3. The liquid agent dosing device 63A is connected to the tank 62A and discharges the liquid agent from the discharge port 70 (first discharge port). The liquid agent dosing device 63B is connected to the tank 62B and discharges the liquid agent from the discharge port 70 (second discharge port). The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is connected to the discharge ports 70 of the liquid agent dosing devices 63A and 63B, and flows the liquid agent toward the outer tub 3. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends at a downward incline along the outer periphery of the outer tank 3.

With this configuration, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 that is inclined along the outer tank 3 can promote the flow of the liquid agent while saving space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining or sticking in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and to prevent clogging of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the tank 62B is disposed on the outer side K1 (along the first direction away from the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tub 3) relative to the tank 62A. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends downward along the outer side K1.

With this configuration, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, which is inclined in accordance with the arrangement of the outer tank 3 and the tank 62, can further reduce space.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the depth L2 of the tank 62B is greater than the depth L1 of the tank 62A.

With this configuration, the depth of the tank 62 can be increased in accordance with the inclination of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, ensuring the volume of the tank 62 while further promoting the flow of water and liquid agent in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64. In addition, an arrangement can be made between the tank 62 and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 that suppresses variation in the distance over which the liquid agent flows. This suppresses variation in the resistance to the liquid agent due to variation in the distance over which the liquid agent flows, and makes it possible to achieve uniform input of the liquid agent.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the discharge port 70 of the liquid agent dosing device 63B is formed at a lower position than the discharge port 70 of the liquid agent dosing device 63A.

This configuration allows the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 to be inclined in accordance with the arrangement of the liquid agent injection device 63, making it possible to arrange the liquid agent between the liquid agent injection device 63 and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 in a way that reduces variation in the distance the liquid agent flows. This makes it possible to reduce variation in the resistance to the liquid agent and achieve uniform injection of the amount of liquid agent.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the liquid agent injection device 63A and the liquid agent injection device 63B are disposed above the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and the discharge port 70 is connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from above.

By arranging the liquid agent injection device 63 above the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 in this configuration, it is possible to prevent the water or liquid agent flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from flowing back into the liquid agent injection device 63.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the inlet 98 of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is formed at a higher position than the outlet 99 of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

With this configuration, the liquid discharge flow path 64 extends downward from the inlet 98 to the outlet 99, and the liquid flows from the inlet 98 to the outlet 99 due to gravity, preventing the liquid from stagnating between the inlet 98 and the outlet 99.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the liquid agent dosing device 63A is connected to the rear of the tank 62A, and the liquid agent dosing device 63B is connected to the rear of the tank 62B.

This configuration allows the automatic dispensing unit 6 to have a smaller dimension in the vertical direction Z than when the liquid drug dispensing device 63 is connected to the bottom surface of the tank 62. Therefore, the volume of the tank 62 can be increased even in a limited space.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 increases along the outer side K1 (toward the downstream side).

This configuration makes it possible to prevent the liquid from remaining or adhering, and to prevent clogging of the liquid discharge flow path 64, even if the flow rate of the liquid increases downstream of the liquid discharge flow path 64.

[Effect 2]
The washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes an outer tub 3, a water supply valve 10, a tank 62 (first tank), a liquid agent injection device 63 (first automatic liquid agent injection device), and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64. The outer tub 3 is elastically supported in the housing 2. The water supply valve 10 supplies water to the outer tub 3. The tank 62 contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3. The liquid agent injection device 63 is connected to the tank 62 and forms a discharge port 70 (first discharge port) that discharges the liquid agent downward. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 forms a connection port 69 (first connection port) in an upper portion that communicates with the discharge port 70 and is connected to the water supply valve 10 and the outer tub 3. When viewed from the vertical direction Z (liquid agent discharge direction), the discharge port 70 is formed inside the connection port 69.

With this configuration, water can be made to flow around the discharge port 70 in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, washing away the liquid agent adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 70. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid agent from remaining or adhering to the periphery of the discharge port 70, and to prevent clogging downstream of the liquid agent injection device 63.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 extends downward to the outside K1 (along the first direction away from the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tub 3).

With this configuration, the discharge port 70 can be cleaned using the liquid discharge flow path 64, where the flow of the liquid is promoted by gravity.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the liquid agent dosing device 63 further has a support part 87 (first member) that forms the discharge port 70. The support part 87 has an outer circumferential cylinder part 87A and a central cylinder part 87B that is disposed inside the outer circumferential cylinder part 87A and houses a valve 91 that is movable in the vertical direction Z. The discharge port 70 is defined between the outer circumferential cylinder part 87A and the central cylinder part 87B.

This configuration allows the central tube portion 87B to be cleaned as well, preventing the opening and closing movement of the valve 91 from being hindered by the adhesion of the liquid agent.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the central cylinder portion 87B protrudes from the outer peripheral cylinder portion 87A.

This configuration makes the central tube portion 87B easier to clean and further reduces the obstruction of the opening and closing movement of the valve due to adhesion of the liquid agent.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, when viewed from the front-rear direction M (the direction perpendicular to the discharge direction), the central tube portion 87B crosses the connection port 69, and the discharge port 70 is formed above the connection port 69.

This configuration makes it easier to clean the central tube portion 87B. On the other hand, because the outer circumferential tube portion 87A does not cross the connection port 69, it is possible to prevent the fluid flow in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 from being obstructed. In addition, it is possible to prevent the fluid from flowing back from the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 through the discharge port 70 to the liquid agent input device 63.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment further includes a tank 62B (second tank) and a liquid agent dispenser 63B (second automatic liquid agent dispenser). The tank 62B contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3, and is disposed on the outer side K1 of the tank 62A. The liquid agent dispenser 63B is connected to the tank 62B and the liquid agent discharge flow path 64, and discharges the liquid agent downward from the discharge port 70.

This configuration makes it possible to prevent clogging downstream of the liquid agent injection device 63 even when multiple liquid agent injection devices 63 are installed.

The washing machine 1 of this embodiment includes an outer tub 3 elastically supported within a housing 2, a water supply valve 10 that supplies water to the outer tub 3, a tank 62A (first tank) that contains the liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tub 3, a liquid agent injection device 63A (first automatic liquid agent injection device) that is connected to the tank 62A and forms an outlet 70 (first outlet) that ejects the liquid agent downward, and a liquid agent discharge flow path 64 that has a connection port 69A (first connection port) at the top that communicates with the outlet 70 and is connected to the water supply valve 10 and the outer tub 3, and the dimension D1 in the front-rear direction M (width direction) of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is greater than the dimension D2 in the up-down direction Z.

This configuration allows the outlet 70 to be easily washed with water.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 forms a main flow path 95 (space) through which the automatically dispensed liquid agent and water flow, and includes a main body 92 having an opening 100 on the side, and a lid 93 attached to the main body 92 so as to cover the opening 100.

This configuration allows the liquid discharge flow path 64 to be manufactured by injection molding. Therefore, the cost of the liquid discharge flow path 64 can be reduced, and the liquid discharge flow path 64 can be manufactured using a material that has high chemical resistance and moisture absorption resistance.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the main body 92 is provided with an inlet 98 (connection port) connected to the water supply valve 10, a connection port 69A, and an outlet 99 (connection port) connected to the outer tub 3.

This configuration helps prevent parts from shifting out of position due to adhesive misalignment.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the inner bottom surface of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is formed by the main body 92.

This configuration helps prevent residual liquid and water.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the main body 92 is vibration welded to the lid 93.

This configuration allows the main body 92 to be made smaller than if additional structure were provided to secure the lid 93 to the main body 92.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, surface P1 (back surface) of the lid 93 is formed smoothly.

This configuration improves the stability of vibration welding. It also reduces residual liquid.

In addition, in the washing machine 1 of this embodiment, the lid 93 has a lead wire hook 97 that holds the lead wire 97A.

With this configuration, the lead wire hook 97 can secure the lead wire 97A in a state where the lead wire 97A extends downward. By locating the connector above the lead wire hook 97, water flowing along the lead wire 97A can be prevented from reaching the connector of the power unit 71.

Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented in various other forms.

In the embodiment, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is described as being disposed below the liquid agent injection device 63 and connected in the up-down direction Z, but this is not limited thereto. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 may be disposed above the liquid agent injection device 63. The liquid agent discharge flow path 64 may also be disposed to the side of the liquid agent injection device 63 and connected in the front-rear direction M.

In the embodiment, an example in which the tank 62 is arranged along the width direction K has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, when the outer tank 3 is elastically supported so as to be inclined downward toward the rear side M2 with respect to the installation surface of the housing 2, the tank 62 may be arranged along the front-rear direction M. In other words, the tank 62B may be arranged along the central axis V0 passing through the bottom 36 of the outer tank 3 with respect to the tank 62A. In this case, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is inclined downward toward the rear side M2. Even with this configuration, the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 inclined in accordance with the arrangement of the outer tank 3 and the tank 62 can further enhance space saving.

Although an example in which the discharge port 70 is formed above the connection port 69 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. The discharge port 70 may be disposed at a lower height than the connection port 69. In other words, the outer peripheral tube portion 87A forming the discharge port 70 may protrude into the main flow path 95. This configuration makes it easier for water to hit the discharge port 70 in the liquid agent discharge flow path 64.

In the embodiment, an example in which the main body 92 and the lid 93 are bonded by vibration welding has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The main body 92 and the lid 93 may be bonded by other methods as long as the flow line of the liquid agent discharge flow path 64 is not crossed at the position where the main body 92 and the lid 93 are bonded to each other. For example, the main body 92 and the lid 93 may be bonded to each other, or may be sealed by sandwiching a packing or the like therebetween.

In the embodiment, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid agent supply device 63 is described as the front-rear direction M, but this is not limited to this. For example, the connection direction between the tank 62 and the liquid agent supply device 63 may be along the up-down direction Z.

The power unit 71 and the reduction mechanism 72 may be attached to the pump mechanism 73 from the center side K2 or from the outside K1. Also, a power unit 71 and a reduction mechanism 72 attached from the outside K1 and a power unit 71 and a reduction mechanism 72 attached from the center side K2 may be mixed.

Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and alterations are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, unless they depart therefrom.

The washing machine disclosed herein can improve the functionality of the configuration related to liquid injection, and is therefore useful as a home washing machine, a commercial washing machine, or any type of washer-dryer (e.g., a home drum washing machine).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Washing machine 2 Housing 3 Outer tub 4 Inner tub 5 Drive section 6 Automatic dispensing unit 8 Connection flow path 10 Water supply valve 11 Drain valve 61 Case 62 Tank 63 Liquid agent dispensing device 64 Liquid agent discharge flow path 65 Manual dispensing section 66 Water supply solenoid valve K Width direction M Front-rear direction

Claims (16)

An outer tank elastically supported within a housing;
a water supply valve for supplying water to the outer tank;
A first tank that contains a liquid agent to be supplied to the outer tank;
a case that accommodates the first tank;
a first automatic liquid agent supplying device connected to the first tank and configured to discharge a liquid agent from a first discharge port;
a liquid discharge flow path connected to the first discharge port and supplying the liquid to the outer tank through the case;
Equipped with
At least a portion of the liquid agent discharge flow path extends from an upstream side to a downstream side while being inclined downward with respect to a horizontal plane,
The liquid agent discharge flow path includes:
a main flow path through which water and liquid agent flow;
An inlet formed upstream of the main flow path for allowing water to flow into the main flow path;
An outlet formed downstream of the main flow path and configured to discharge water and the liquid agent from the main flow path;
was established,
the inlet and the outlet of the liquid agent discharge flow path are directly connected to the rear surface of the case;
washing machine. A first case connection port and a second case connection port are formed on the rear surface of the case,
the inlet of the liquid agent discharge flow path is connected to the first case connection port,
the outlet of the liquid agent discharge flow path is connected to the second case connection port;
The washing machine according to claim 1. The case is provided with a supply flow passage for supplying water from the water supply valve to the inside of the case,
the first case connection port causes water flowing through the supply flow path to flow into the liquid agent discharge flow path via the inlet;
The washing machine according to claim 2. The supply flow path is provided in an upper portion of the case,
the supply flow passage is provided with a supply flow passage opening capable of supplying water from the supply flow passage into the case,
The supply flow passage opening is located above the first case connection port.
The washing machine according to claim 3. In the case,
a liquid agent outlet which is an opening for discharging the fluid in the case toward the outer tank;
an input flow path that allows water and the liquid agent to flow toward the liquid agent outlet along an inner bottom surface of the case;
was established,
the second case connection port allows water flowing through the liquid agent discharge flow path to flow into the input flow path of the case;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The liquid agent outlet is formed on the rear surface of the case.
The washing machine according to claim 5. The liquid outlet is located below the second case connection port.
The washing machine according to claim 5 or 6. The case further accommodates a manual input section for manually inputting a single dose of laundry treatment agent,
The liquid agent manually input from the manual input unit can be further supplied to the input flow path of the case.
The washing machine according to claim 5. the first tank is provided with a first tank connection part that is connected to the first automatic liquid drug supply device;
a tank connection port for connecting the first tank connection portion to the first automatic liquid drug supply device is formed on the rear surface of the case;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The first discharge port is provided to be located above the main flow path.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9. the first automatic liquid agent supplying device is connected to the first tank connecting portion in a front-rear direction and is connected to the liquid agent discharge flow path in a top-bottom direction;
The washing machine according to claim 9. The liquid ejection flow path has a body and a lid,
The main body forms a space through which the liquid medicine and water to be automatically dispensed flow, and has an opening on a side surface,
The lid seals the opening.
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The first automatic liquid drug injection device is attached to the main body.
The washing machine according to claim 12. the inlet of the liquid material discharge flow path is located above the outlet of the liquid material discharge flow path;
The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The main flow path is provided linearly and inclined downward.
15. The washing machine according to claim 14. The cross-sectional area of the main flow path increases toward the downstream side.
16. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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